Like any weather event, the exact outcome including the direction and severity of the wind is difficult to precisely predict. This is directly related to forecasting power interruptions.

National Grid has been in preparedness mode for several days locally. With leaves still on trees making the limbs heavier and the ground absorbing water which could affect shallow-rooted trees, residents should be ready.

In case this combination makes a mess of our power system and our property, Spokesperson Steve Brady has an important message regarding safety.

“We want folks to use extreme caution around any wire they see on the ground. Even if they think it’s the phone wire or the cable TV wire: stay away from it, assume it’s electrical wire, assume that it’s hot and call us to let us take care of it. Even tree branches that can be entangled in a wire can conduct electricity, so we really want folks to be safe.”

Brady says that in the event of a power outage, residents need to report it at 1800-867-5222 or online.